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Joined the Basal Cell Club a Few Minutes Ago
01-14-2020, 02:53 PM
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#1
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,880
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Joined the Basal Cell Club a Few Minutes Ago
I got the word that the little bump above my chin was basal cell cancer, and I go in to discuss treatment options on Thursday.
My research suggests that I should request Mohs surgery. Are there any situations in which that isn't the best option?
I've always seen the physician's assistant at the dermatology place, but I assume the doctor would do the surgery. If they suggest the assistant do it, should I resist?
Thanks.
__________________
Al
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01-14-2020, 03:03 PM
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#2
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Limerick
Posts: 5,638
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TromboneAl
I got the word that the little bump above my chin was basal cell cancer, and I go in to discuss treatment options on Thursday.
My research suggests that I should request Mohs surgery. Are there any situations in which that isn't the best option?
I've always seen the physician's assistant at the dermatology place, but I assume the doctor would do the surgery. If they suggest the assistant do it, should I resist?
Thanks.
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I’m pretty certain a PA won’t do the surgery. In my case, my dermatologist didn’t even do it and they sent me to another dermatologist to have it done.
Mohs surgery isn’t pleasant, but they do get all the tissue and healing will have less scarring.
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01-14-2020, 03:26 PM
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#3
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Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Flyover country
Posts: 25,199
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Yes, in my very limited experience, most dermatologists will send you to a MOHS surgery specialist. Since it's small, you shouldn't have much to worry about.
__________________
I thought growing old would take longer.
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01-14-2020, 04:38 PM
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#4
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Central MS/Orange Beach, AL
Posts: 9,067
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I've had a couple of basal cells and 1 squamous cell removed. All done by my regular dermatologist. He did it the old fashion way. Knife. Can hardly see a scar. I don't think MOHS surgery is even an option in my smallish town. There's only a couple dermatologist here.
I did have the blu-light treatment done a few days ago. Wasn't much to it and maybe it will head off future problems.
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Retired 3/31/2007@52
Investing style: Full time wuss.
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01-14-2020, 05:26 PM
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#5
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Tampa
Posts: 11,232
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I see a PA for my Dermatology visits, but would not let him perform my surgery.
__________________
TGIM
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01-14-2020, 05:32 PM
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#6
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Chicago West Burbs
Posts: 2,998
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Mohs needs to be done where they can do live, on-site lab analysis of the removed material before closing the site. Other wise, it in not Mohs. There is nothing to worry about. It is simply removal by scalpel, analysis, repeat if necessary, then close. In the 2 Mohs surgery's I've had, they got it all in the 1st pass.
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01-14-2020, 05:36 PM
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#7
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: St. Charles
Posts: 3,903
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TromboneAl
I got the word that the little bump above my chin was basal cell cancer, and I go in to discuss treatment options on Thursday.
My research suggests that I should request Mohs surgery. Are there any situations in which that isn't the best option?
I've always seen the physician's assistant at the dermatology place, but I assume the doctor would do the surgery. If they suggest the assistant do it, should I resist?
Thanks.
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Find out what they suggest. I had a BIG basal cell on my chest (size of a quarter). The DR sent me to a surgical center (Moh's surgery). 5-6" scar on my chest. They actually did a good job, and the scar is not very pronounced. Had another on my back, done with the knife, at the Derm's office.
I think the face and nose would be more concerning. A scar on my chest or back is no big deal. On my face, I want better options.
Hope it works out well.
__________________
If your not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.
Never slow down, never grow old!
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01-14-2020, 06:33 PM
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#8
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gone traveling
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,146
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I have had 4 basal cells removed , all on my right side of my body . Right shoulder, right lower shin boy was that a bitch to heal , right forearm and right temple . . Me 63 all found in the past 4 years . Mohs on the temple , the others plastic surgery removal and stitching. Just looked over my body today , no pink lesions. )
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01-15-2020, 04:19 AM
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#9
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 161
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I used imiquimod on a biopsy confirmed superficial basal cell on my nose. The course of treatment if 5x week for 6 weeks. The site gets sore, crusty, scabby and pretty ugly. I had Mohs scheduled for yesterday but wanted to try this first. My treatment ended Dec. 20 and last week I had another biopsy done on the site and it came back negative. I was given the option of doing the Mohs to check for any "rogue" cells or taking a "wait and see" approach. I opted for the latter. There is a 10-20% chance it could come back, if that's the case I will do the Mohs.
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01-15-2020, 01:23 PM
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#10
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: South Texas~29N/98W Just West of Woman Hollering Creek
Posts: 6,671
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Quote:
My research suggests that I should request Mohs surgery.
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I have had BCC several dozen times and had Mohs surgery 5X (I think). Accept it, get it taken care of, move on with your life.
Good luck.
__________________
Part-Owner of Texas
Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read. Groucho Marx
In dire need of: faster horses, younger woman, older whiskey, more money.
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01-15-2020, 06:23 PM
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#11
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,880
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Will I qualify as a "cancer survivor" (assuming I survive )?
__________________
Al
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01-15-2020, 06:49 PM
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#12
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: St. Charles
Posts: 3,903
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TromboneAl
Will I qualify as a "cancer survivor" (assuming I survive )?
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I know you said this tongue in cheek, but it made me think.
I have had several basal cells, two squamous cells, and one small melanoma removed.
Since I have not had to go thru the radiation and chemo that my other friends with cancer have had to do, for some reason I DON'T really think of myself as having cancer. It's weird, I know.
__________________
If your not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.
Never slow down, never grow old!
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01-15-2020, 07:13 PM
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#13
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Tampa
Posts: 11,232
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CardsFan
I know you said this tongue in cheek, but it made me think.
I have had several basal cells, two squamous cells, and one small melanoma removed.
Since I have not had to go thru the radiation and chemo that my other friends with cancer have had to do, for some reason I DON'T really think of myself as having cancer. It's weird, I know.
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Same here with one basal and one melanoma removed.
__________________
TGIM
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01-15-2020, 07:51 PM
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#14
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Central MS/Orange Beach, AL
Posts: 9,067
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Melanoma pretty darn serious. I think successful removal of that would qualify as a cancer survivor.
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Retired 3/31/2007@52
Investing style: Full time wuss.
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01-15-2020, 08:13 PM
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#15
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: St. Charles
Posts: 3,903
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawg52
Melanoma pretty darn serious. I think successful removal of that would qualify as a cancer survivor.
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I hear you. But it was very small and a cut and sew procedure.
FWIW, I had never been to a Derm (at 62 years, then). DW thought a big mole on my back was a problem. I finally went. The big mole is still there, no issue. But I would have never found the melanoma that early without regular visits.
I count myself lucky. I know others that have had major surgery and follow-up radiation with large melanoma cancers.
__________________
If your not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.
Never slow down, never grow old!
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01-16-2020, 05:44 AM
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#16
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: The Great Wide Open
Posts: 3,789
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My 32yo cousin passed in 1986 due to melanoma on his neck and back. Left a wife and 3 young boys, so yes , it is serious.
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01-16-2020, 09:24 AM
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#17
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Syracuse
Posts: 3,501
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No advice, just best wishes.
__________________
“No, not rich. I am a poor man with money, which is not the same thing"
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01-16-2020, 09:41 AM
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#18
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Tampa
Posts: 11,232
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CardsFan
I hear you. But it was very small and a cut and sew procedure.
FWIW, I had never been to a Derm (at 62 years, then). DW thought a big mole on my back was a problem. I finally went. The big mole is still there, no issue. But I would have never found the melanoma that early without regular visits.
I count myself lucky. I know others that have had major surgery and follow-up radiation with large melanoma cancers.
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Mine was also rather small, although have a 4 inch knife type looking scar on the back now.
My Ex discovered a dark circle on my back and that is why I went to the doctor.
It only had one of the 4 signs of cancerous moles.
The doctor stated that eventually I would have died from it if not removed.
__________________
TGIM
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01-16-2020, 12:29 PM
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#19
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,880
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GravitySucks
No advice, just best wishes.
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Thanks. I opted for Mohs even though it will mean a three-hour drive to Medford, OR—yay, another change to drive our new car!
__________________
Al
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01-16-2020, 12:32 PM
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#20
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 5,803
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TromboneAl
Thanks. I opted for Mohs even though it will mean a three-hour drive to Medford, OR—yay, another change to drive our new car!
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And around all those I-5 mountain corners too!
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Give a Man a fish, he will eat for a day.
Teach a Man to fish, he will eat for a lifetime.
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